Showing posts with label Pettitte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pettitte. Show all posts

WS Game 6 Preview

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

Philadelphia Phillies (2-3) at YankeesNew York Yankees (3-2)

Pedro Martinez, RHP, vs. Andy Pettitte, LHP.

Once again, it's do or die. Cliff Lee and Chase Utley pushed this series to Game 6. Now, Pedro Martinez is handed the ball, needing to further extend the series. A win evens the series and keeps the Phillies' hopes of repeating alive.

Pedro Martinez lost to the Yankees in Game 2, but he pitched very well. He gave up three runs in six innings, but this is the type of situation "the most influential player that ever stepped into Yankee Stadium" thrives.

The Phillies owe Pedro. He has been excellent during the postseason, but the Phillies failed to provide him with run support. Chase Utley brings in a hot bat and could break Reggie Jackson's World Series home run record. Jayson Werth hit two home runs off Pettitte earlier this series.

Unlike Pedro who is pitching on normal rest, Andy Pettitte is pitching on three days' rest. In his career, Pettitte is 4-6 with a 4.15 ERA on short rest, with his last appearance coming in 2006. Pettitte has been perfect (wins-wise) this postseason. He won both clinching games of the postseason this year, and he has a chance for another.

It's a must-in. Keep the high hopes!

Phillies Lineup: Shane Victorino is in the lineup despite having a bruised finger. Raul Ibanez will DH with Ben Francisco in left. Pedro Feliz is batting seventh.

Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (DH), Feliz (3B), Francisco (LF), Ruiz (C).

Yankees Lineup: Jeter (SS), Damon (LF), Teixeira (1B), Rodriguez (3B), Matsui (DH), Posada (C), Cano (2B), Swisher (RF), Gardner (CF).

World Series Game 3 Preview

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YankeesNew York Yankees (1-1) at Philadelphia Phillies (1-1)
Andy Pettitte, LHP vs. Cole Hamels, LHP

When asked if this year felt "more like a World Series" compared to last year's, Jimmy Rollins responded: "when we get to Philly, it will." The Fall Classic moves to Philadelphia with the series split at a game apiece. The Phillies are 11-1 at home in the postseason since 2008. "It makes it a lot more fun, because you know they're your fans, and you know how that sound can echo off your ears when they're not your fans," Rollins said.

Cole Hamels starts defending his World Series MVP award tonight, but he isn't going to win back-to-back MVPs unless he has an outstanding start tonight. His 2008 postseason heroics are almost forgotten with his 1-1, 6.75 ERA during this year's playoffs. He has kept walks to a minimal. He allowed 20 hits in 14.1 innings, but walked only two. Not only does he need to limit the hits, but Hamels needs to keep the ball in the yard. In his career against the Yankees, Hamels is 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.

Hamels will be opposed by Andy Pettitte, the all-time postseason wins leader. Pettitte is a finesse pitcher, not overpowering. However, he has stretches where he lacks command. In all of his starts this postseason, Pettitte lasted 6.1 innings and did not allowed more than three runs. Pettite allowed four runs over seven innings against the Phillies in May. He hasn't pitched at Citizens Bank Park since 2006.

On Thursday, A.J Burnett was magnificent, and there wasn't much that the Phillies could do. Today, the right-handed bats will need to step it up, as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez are a combined 8-for-37 against Pettitte.

Phillies lineup: Rollins (SS), Victorino (CF), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Feliz (3B), Ruiz (C), Hamels (P).

Greg Dobbs is available after recovering from the flu.

Yankees Lineup: Jeter (SS), Damon (LF), Teixeira (1B), A-Rod (3B), Posada (C), Cano (2B), Swisher (RF), Cabrera (CF), Pettitte (P).

Welcome to the National League, Yankees. No DH tonight.